Michigan Voters Decide on Constitutional Convention in 2026 Election

Constitutional Convention Question Returns to Michigan Ballot Every 16 Years Under State Law

LANSING — Michigan voters will make a historic decision this November that hasn't been made since the 1960s. Proposal 2026-01 will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot asking whether a constitutional convention should be convened to consider a general revision of the 1963 Michigan Constitution.

The question is not political in the traditional sense. It is mandated by Article XII, Section 3 of the Michigan Constitution, which requires that voters weigh in on the convention question every 16 years.

Automatic Check-In With Voters

"This is a provision in our current constitution that says, let's check in with the voters. Let's see what they think, whether they think the system is working right, and if so, we'll keep doing what we're doing. If not, then there's a chance to convene what's called a constitutional convention," said Eric Luper, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan.

The Citizens Research Council, a nonpartisan public policy organization, is publishing a series of informational papers ahead of the election to help voters better understand the issue. The group is not taking a position on whether the convention should be called.

"If approved, delegates would be elected in early 2027 and would convene in Lansing on Oct. 5, 2027, to review the state's governing document. Any proposed changes would still need voter approval before taking effect."

The Convention Process Would Be Highly Politicized

A constitutional convention would require broader discussion and compromise across a wide range of issues.

"Clearly, a constitutional convention would be a highly politicized exercise, but you bring everybody in together, and there has to be conversation and discussion, and ultimately, agreement or compromise," Luper said.

While the idea of a constitutional convention can sound like a complete reset, experts say the process is typically more measured, focused on revising the existing document rather than rebuilding state government from the ground up.

"They come together and argue over things, what's working and what's not, and if it's not working, how could or should it be changed? And then ultimately, when they come to an agreement on the document, they have to come back to us, the people, to say, do you like this better than our current constitution?"

Michigan's Constitutional History

Michigan last approved a constitutional convention in 1961, leading to the adoption of the current constitution in 1963. Since then, changes have primarily been made through amendments, either proposed by the Legislature or through citizen-led petitions.

Luper said that the amendment process allows for incremental changes, but it can also create limitations.

"We think, with the amendment process, while it's a great form of grassroots involvement in government and having the people have a voice in it, when it's done by a petition, there's usually a special interest behind it, and so there's not a negotiation of the issues," Luper said.

A constitutional convention, by contrast, would require broader discussion and compromise across a wide range of issues.

The Numbers

The Michigan Constitution has been amended 45 times out of 82 proposals submitted to voters (55 percent). The articles related to finance and taxation and the legislative branch were the subject of most proposed amendments.

If voters reject the proposal, the question will automatically return to the ballot in 2042.

What Would Happen If Approved

If voters vote yes at the November 2026 election, the following would occur:

• Delegates would be elected in a special primary in February 2027
• A special election would be held in May 2027
• Every voter would be represented by two delegates
• One delegate would be elected in each district of the state House of Representatives (110)
• One delegate would be elected in each state Senate district (38)
• The convention would convene on October 5, 2027, to organize and begin work
• There is no time limit within which they must complete their work

The constitution dictates that the document will be submitted to the voters not less than 90 days after final adjournment of the convention.

Why Consider a New Constitution?

Convening a constitutional convention affords the opportunity to make fundamental changes to the structure and operations of Michigan's state and local governments. Incremental changes have been, and will be, made through the amendment process, but some issues are not addressed for lack of a champion to push for change or because the potential changes are too big to be dealt with through amendments.

"If a constitutional convention is convened, nothing currently in or not in the Constitution is sacred. A subset of the voters may wish to open the document to revisit certain issues — reproductive rights, tax limitations, the state board of education, the full-time legislature, etc. A different subset of voters may vote against convening a constitutional convention to protect against one or more issues being changed."

A Contested Decision

As it relates to local governments, a convention may change the constitutional status of county officers, the balance of power with townships, and the ability to fund county operations by altering tax limitations or authorizing local-option sales taxes.

The question is expected to be a contested one as voters consider whether to give delegates the power to potentially rewrite Michigan's governing document.